19 arrested during 'Tinker Island' raid by Black Maria

DSP Bawah Abdul Jalil led a police crackdown operation that apprehended nineteen notorious individuals in a drug hub locally known as 'Tinker Island' in the Ashanti Region. The operation was aimed at criminal networks involved in drug trafficking, violent attacks on commuters, robbery, and illegal firearm possession across the Kumasi metropolis. The operation included 111 officers, supported by 10 service vehicles, including an armoured carrier and a Black Maria, deployed to conduct patrols across inner-city areas, including the Manhyia Palace enclave, before moving on to Alaba and Tinker, known drug hotspots.

A local shop owner, Ola Ruth, was arrested after officers discovered a quantity of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp on her premises during the raid. Eighteen people linked to drug peddling and substance abuse within the area were also arrested. Some seized items included white powders suspected to be heroin or cocaine, Indian hemp, opioids, and paraphernalia used for drug consumption. DSP Bawah Abdul Jalil praised the operation, noting its role in enhancing public safety, saying: "Operations like this are crucial to dismantling criminal networks and safeguarding our communities. Intelligence-led policing allows us to target persistent threats effectively."

The suspects arrested were sent to the Suntreso Police District Headquarters, where they remain in police custody for further investigation and possible prosecution. The seized evidence has been submitted to forensic units for analysis. The team noted that the raid shows its ongoing commitment to crime prevention across the Ashanti Region, upholding intensified patrols, continued intelligence gathering, and collaboration with communities to maintain law and order.